Torquay United set to confirm friendlies with Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City

James Roberts and Joe Riley of Plymouth Argyle shake after the game, during the pre-season friendly match between Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle at Plainmoor, Torquay, Devon on July 17 - PHOTO: Sean Hernon/PPAUK

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"There are people we have worked with before that I would be happy to bring here.

"Pete (Head of Recruitment Peter Johnson) is talking to lots of agents, and sometimes players themselves, and he is letting us know how close he is on some of them. We have definitely made progress with two or three.

"There's always four or five clubs that give it a right go in the Conference, and we've got to be one of those.

"So far I've been really pleased with the discussions I've had with our board. They've been great.

"George Edwards (managing director) has called this season the 'First Stage', and we have to make sure that we keep that enthusiasm and our support.

"We had the best part of 5,500 here on Monday, and if we can keep the crowds in the 4,000-4,500 bracket, the budget will be bigger and we can have a very competitive squad, go for the players who have proved themselves already and do it a little bit quicker."

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Next Wednesday work will also begin on completing a two-stage overhaul of the Plainmoor pitch, with a second level of drainage installed as well as a new playing surface.

"There are some good pitches and stadiums in the Conference," said Johnson.

"I'm told that we are getting the most expensive grass-seed, and not being in the Play-Offs has bought us an extra couple of weeks.

"It's good that the current pitch is history, although it has had a lot to put up with this season, because if we are going to play our football in an entertaining way, we will need a good, flat grassy surface."